Having lost a full team worth of players already, Ireland's remarkable injury jinx continued during the course of this game, with Robbie Brady forced off after half an hour and Rob Kiernan lasting less than an hour before having to depart the pitch.

Indeed, such was the youthful nature of Ireland's team that five of the starting XI, as well as five of the six substitutes, are still eligible to represent their country at Under-19 level.

The game began in a lively tempo but a crowded midfield area ensured that neither team could gain a foothold in the match.

The first real sight of goal came after 23 minutes and it was Turkey who threatened. Full-back Cek played a one-two with Kose and found himself in the Irish penalty area. However, his shot was well saved by the on-rushing Stephen Henderson.

Ireland carved out three half-chances during the closing minutes of the half. First, Graham Carey drilled a free kick across the face of goal but there was no Irish foot close enough to make contact.

On 43 minutes substitute Daniel Kearns crossed from the right but Adam Rooney's glancing header went wide.

Two minutes later, Seamus Coleman, captaining the team on what will be his final appearance for his country at Under-21 level, crossed to Graham Carey at the back post but the Dublin-born winger could not direct the ball on target.

Carey again drilled the ball across goal on 60 minutes but his cross, which came after great work by Kearns and Coleman down the right, was cut out by Basdas before it could reach its target.

Hourihane came within inches of breaking the deadlock just moments later when effort from the edge of the box cracked off the post before going wide.

Ireland were gaining an edge in an increasingly open game and the very next attack saw the visitors again come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. The impressive Kearns crossed from the right but the 'keeper got down well to push Rooney’s shot wide of the post.

Kearns was again provider on 75 minutes when his ball found Hourihane on the edge of the box but the midfielder’s shot dragged just wide of the post.

Despite their pressure, Ireland were to fall behind just three minutes later. After some neat play on the right wing, the ball found its way to Kose 12 yards out, who placed his shot beyond the out-stretched arm of Henderson.

Captain Coleman almost snatched a draw in the dying moments but his header from a corner kick was cleared amongst a sea of bodies in the Turkey penalty area.